Have you ever thought of Jesus being your "oasis"? I never did, until the Lord showed me the Passion Translation of Matthew 11:28. I looked up the definition of the word "oasis" and it said: "A small fertile or green area in a desert region, usually having a spring or well. Something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual, annoying, difficult, etc." Think about that. Jesus wants to be our refuge and relief - even a pleasant change from whatever difficulties and annoyances we have to deal with on a daily basis.

In the next verse, Jesus tells us how to receive Him as our oasis: "Simply join your life with Mine. Learn My ways and you'll discover that I'm gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me." (v. 29) The study note tells us that another translation could be, "Bend your neck to My yoke." And it goes on to say, "The metaphor of a yoke is that it joins two animals to work as one. It is not simply work or toil that is the focus here, but union with Christ." Jesus spoke of this kind of union in Chapter 15 of John's Gospel, where He told us how important it is for us to abide in Him. As we walk closely with our Savior throughout each day - being sensitive and obedient to His Spirit's leading on a moment-by-moment basis - He enables us to "find refreshment and rest" in Him. This way, life isn't the constant struggle that those without Christ must endure.

Next, Jesus says, "For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear." (v. 30) Our Savior is never going to expect us to do anything that would be detrimental to us in any way. On the contrary. Whatever He asks of us will always be for our own good. But it gets better. Christ will empower us to do whatever He calls us to do. The apostle Paul declared this truth when he said, "I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power." (Philippians 4:13 TLB) Hallelujah!

Today, I believe that the Savior is asking you personally - "Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to Me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis."

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to abide in You, and to live my life for You. Make me sensitive and obedient to Your Spirit's leading on a moment-by-moment basis. Enable me to find refreshment and rest in You, and to put my trust in You. Thank You for empowering me to do everything that You have called me to do!